I'm Just Going To Put It Out There

Gay Marriage, Prop 8 it's been on my mind A LOT lately. Ned has a funny notion "If gay people want to be just as miserable as the rest of us, I'm certainly not going to stand in their way" AKA "I believe that gay people have just as much right to be married as the rest of us"

One of the arguments against gay marriage is that gay couples can't have children. That the human race will somehow get wiped off the planet if we allow gays to be well GAY. My BIG problem with this notion is what about the couples who for one reason or the thousands cannot bear children? They can't have kids does that mean that they aren't allowed to be married?

Of course this is a subject I can go ON and ON and ON about (and usually do if I see the opportunity to do so) But here are a few important points I would like to make.

I believe that Gay Marriage should happen NOW. Why? Because millions of children need them. There are over 500,000 children in the Foster care system and almost as many waiting for adoption. Many of them in desperate need of families. What if... and this is for those that believe it's "not right" based on spiritual beliefs. What if. God created homosexual love so that these unwanted or abused children can have parents?. It is my firm belief that Gay couples are meant to be the parents to many of these children. They offer an understanding and patience certain kids need so desperately. In so many cases a gay couple will understand what it means to feel unwanted, they understand the need to be understood and not looked at as a pariah. I'm not saying that straight couples can't offer the same, but obviously there are more kids than couples who are stepping up. Here you have pool of millions of couples that would love nothing more than to nurture a child.

But on a baseline level this much I believe; Love, real love for another human being is such a rare thing. This world is full of so much hurt and pain, why on earth do some people insist on begrudging others a basic human right? The right to be and feel loved. The right to say, I want to commit to you now and forever. To want their loved one to know that I will not leave your side, in sickness and in health. It baffles me the excuses people offer against gay marriage... Insurance? Taxes? if that makes up your reasons for getting married I feel oh so sorry for your spouse.

I'm sympathetic that for some to change the way they believe about homosexuality means the foundation of their faith is rocked. And some will cite a scripture or two. well the if that's the end all be all these few scriptures then what about your love of bacon? Leviticus 11:7 - And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. Or perhaps you have your ears pierced? Maybe a little tattoo? Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD - Leviticus: 19:28 Wait Wait Wait, why am I typing these words when I should have never been educated in the first place! 1 Timothy 2:12-14 - I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man. My point is, that to say it's "god's law", surely you MUST follow all the other "rules" right? It's not pick and choose.

I'm sympathetic that it's a difficult choice to make. But you chose your faith, you choose to go to church on sunday, you choose to believe in scripture. The bottom line is that homosexuality is NOT a choice. My friends, MY BROTHER did not wake up one day and say "you know what sounds like soooo much fun?! I'm going to choose to incite the anger and violence and ostricization of others. I'm going to go against my natural sexual urges for the opposite sex and get it on with someone of the same sex. I'm going to risk the alienation of my family, friends and co-workers...This being a homosexual sounds like a friggin blast!!"

Why don't we call it what it is... Fear, fear of the unknown, for some it's perhaps fear of their own feelings. And Miseducation. I respect faith, I've seen in so many how powerful religion has been. Your Faith is exactly that...Yours and if it brings you peace and happiness then I am so happy for you as that too is rare in this world. But have it be about yourself, not about me or anyone else. Grow and nuture your own faith in god and leave judgement in the hands of the almighty not your own.

Why Women Should Vote

This started out as a typical post and then took on a life of it's own.

Lilac Tree Election Coverage 08'

At work I've recently been talking with a co-worker about the Presidential Campaign. She like so many in our area believe what she hears on TV or believes what trusted neighbors of friends tell them about a particular candidate (regardless of whether or not it's based on fact) And frankly she knew nothing about EITHER candidate. I've been really excited finding out that she is going to find information on her own. Paying a little more attention when she reads the paper, she's seeking out the information to make an educated choice.

While doing a little work for the Lords of Karma website I stumbled upon by far one of the most amazing sites out there. Want an REAL unbiased look at the candidates? visit Project Vote Smart. There are no slanted articles (in EITHER direction), no rhetoric, no spin, just stone cold facts. Attendance and Voting Records for State level and US level representatives. Bill & Policy information. The list goes on and on. Best part about it. In just a few clicks you can find out 1st) WHO are your representatives. 2nd) WHAT & HOW do they vote. And 3rd) WHERE can you contact them. It's a glorious and refreshing website. Finally a place for those who just want the facts not opinions.

For a look at Obama's record Click Here . For McCain's Record click Here. And while the Lords of Karma won't officially back a particular candidate we all know who Frances is Rooting for!

Now onto a report I recently found I would really like to share. I think most US citizens think after selecting their elected officials,(chosen to represent and defend our best interests by the way!)that they can go about their day assuming that said elected official will I don't know actually show up to VOTE on issues that matter to them and shape the course of our country. You'd be surprised just how many don't bother... There is a wonderful list compiled at washingtonpost.com. On Congressional attendance records and oh my just look who's at the top...Missing WELL OVER half his votes. I say that's just what we want in a president right???? Who can blame the guy after being there as long as he has... It's just so much work ya know, to actually REPRESENT your constituents. Oh OH OHHH! And Let's not forget that the 36.2% of the time he's actually bothered to show up he's voted over 90% of the time in favor of W's bills and policies. Oh yeah that's some 5 Star Commander In Chief behavior.

Ok I'm off to down a few drinks to finally find the courage to stomach those spectacular RNC convention speeches. (I've heard Gulianni and Palin just knocked them out of the park.)

The Lords Of Karma

When I was in radio there was a list of things you NEVER talked about. Religion and Politics were at the top. I've always respected that not everyone is going to feel the same way as I do about religion. How can I expect someone not to force their ideas down my throat if I'm doing it myself? To use my mic as a medium to talk about my Religious beliefs was hypocritical.

But politics, sociology, culture those are things I've been very passionate about since my youth. I found ways around it. Ways to keep it in the Gray. For example when an election was coming up I would spend the week leading up to election day reporting on how one vote made a difference in American history. Voting is one of the most important things we can do as Americans and as human beings in my book. The adage that "my vote doesn't count so why bother" couldn't be more dangerous. That's what those that wish to control us as a society want you to believe.

One of my biggest frustrations has always been how the Mainstream Media seems to only be capable of reporting about the darkness in our communities & the world. Leaving us in a constant state of fear, a constant disbelief in the goodness of mankind. I had a daily report called "the bright side" where I talked about everyday people going above and beyond the call of duty to help their communities. Because that is the kind of news that reminds people there is good in all of us and if it's one or a thousand we can make a difference. Because those are the kinds of people that deserve countless hours of coverage on CNN not Paris Hilton and her ilk.

With that said I'm also no stranger to the injustices in the world. I strive also to make sure that those are brought to light as well. Injustices that we can do something about. Although the road may seem long, I need only to look at my daughter and husband to know it's worth everything I have to keep fighting.

One of the many things that binds Ned & I is our deep sense that we are each others keeper. The belief that if there is something wrong you do what you can to fix it. Ned's struggle with Cancer, Our struggle with Social Security, Our lack of access to affordable or better yet UNIVERSAL health care, Our frustrations with public education, our frustrations with the complete dismissal of the importance of guiding our youth, our government ... we have much to say and well since the first fruit of our real collaboration turned out quite nicely we thought why not try again. Bloggy Style.


I give to you... The Lords of Karma Taken from the Hunter S. Thompson quote "I consider myself a road man for the lords of karma" We will talk a lot about Ned's struggle with cancer, our battle to convince the social security administration that he is in fact disabled(10 out of the 11 doctors reporting on his case agree with us). Our struggles living as a family who cannot afford health insurance. We'll also talk about a lot of the issues that need to be brought to light. To somehow help those on a similar path or those less fortunate. And we welcome any and all contributions. If there is something going on in your community, something that you feel is important to talk about please send us an e-mail. And we'll do our best to post your story. It's important to know that each of our voices means something. And just as I remind Ned in those moments he feels that he's all alone in his fight. There is always someone who can find inspiration from you. Always someone who can benefit from the experience and perspective you have to offer. So please when you can stop by and let us know what you think.

This Post Will Piss You Off

Last night I watched an incredible documentary (thanks Netflix) It was a story that I know all too well. A story that I've watch many in my family live through. I thought I was pretty educated in the shady tactics of credit card companies, lenders, and collection agencies. But I had no idea. I honestly feel now more than ever that where we have Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, (don't forget history) as the age old requirements in school. Fiscal Responsibility should be right up there. Every student starting in middle school should take at least one class a year that teaches smart fiscal responsibility. They need it for so many reasons, the most important being that statistically their parents (who are supposed to teach them how to be responsible with money) are in serious debt. These kids are going to learn about money from their maxed out parents. The vicious cycle is never going to end.

Will that EVER happen? NEVER. Why? Here's the sick and twisted thing that was touched on in the movie. This chaos that's happening in the housing market. The chaos that happening with lenders. These businesses want you to believe that they are hurting just as much as you. These businesses want you to think that they are going under. When in fact business couldn't be better.

Typically for every 1 dollar you spend using their money you almost automatically owe 2 additional dollars in interest, penalties, and what ever other charge they can pull out of their ass. That number only increases as long as you owe them the "dollar".

Here are some juicy little facts:

The credit card industry earned $1,200,000,000,000 last year. That is $1.2 TRILLION in profits.

In 2004 consumers were charged $14.8 BILLION dollars in late fees.

Most credit card companies purposefully delay posting your payment on the day it is received so that they can charge you the late fee. They made millions using this technique last year.

Changing the due date or mailing the bill so that it is difficult at best to meet the deadline and there by charging another late fee. With two late charges on your 'record' your interest rate goes up as much as 10 points. This can be done without notifying you, by the way. These companies have even resorted to not mailing out statements so that you will pay late and therefore be charged at least $29 in late fees and sometimes more.

Signing you up without your permission for credit insurance that virtually never pays out.

Checking your credit reports to see if you are charging on other cards and if it is 'deemed excessive', raising your interest rate by as much as twice your current rate.

Charging you a $25 fee for NOT USING your credit card.

Capital One has been sued because their customers mailed in the checks a full two weeks before the due date but were deemed late, charged the late fee and the interest rate was hiked to double digits.

Citibank paid a $45 million dollar settlement because they improperly assessed late fees and raised the interest rate up to 24% if the customer was late on any payments to other creditors, even if you are current on every payment to them.


This means for most Americans that are "maxed out" they will NEVER get out of debt. As long as they know that you're desperate enough to send in the minimum payment. They will hold onto that debt they will make triple, quadruple, quintuple the amount of credit they extended to you in the first place. And once they've maxed you out and you just can't pay anymore? Why the opportunities are endless!! Some debtors look into foreclosure (they get the money from selling your house, car and other items) They garnish your wages, and some just charge it off. which means they sell your debt to the hounds of hell. Collection agencies. What does this mean? well the A) the collection company PAYS them to take ownership of your debt. and B) The original debtor then gets to write off their "loss" (total amount of money owed by you-intrest, penalties, and all not covered by the payment of the collection agency) when tax season rolls around. Saving them even more money. YAY!!

So why would these companies EVER allow for the American public to learn fiscal responsibility? Why there is a whole generation of kids to earn Trillions more off of? Our Children. They are coming after them next. Want proof? just walk onto any college campus there are hundreds of credit card companies outside dorms handing out cards to students with a stroke of a pen. And the cherry on top?? These companies are in the pockets of everyone who is anyone in Washington. Education would mean the demise of their companies.

The sick and twisted thing people. Is that people are killing themselves over their debt. Millions of Americans when they should be getting ready for a stress free retirement. Are finding themselves with NOTHING. Are finding themselves losing their homes thanks to re-financing. (my parents included). That's what breaks my heart. People are losing everything they've worked their whole lives for. EVERYTHING. And you now have a generation of Americans who are literally drowning in debt before they ever get started in life. The sad thing is that most Americans have no idea how to handle their finances (myself included) There are some who are lucky and figure it out early. For the rest of us there are many things that brought us to our debt. The need for instant gratification or status, Illness, Loss of employment. The list is endless.

It's maddening. Maddening that people are driven to such anxiety because of money and credit. My mother almost completely lost her mind after becoming homeless twice. If I could go back and change one thing in my life. It would be my response when they told me the were going to take a loan out on their home that was a few thousand dollars from being paid off. (And for what? a TV, some christmas presents?, a car?) That for me is where it all began for them. Aside from a rent-a-center (gag) payment. They had no credit cards, no other debt. These companies taking advantage of my parents lack of financial education has caused them insurmountable pain and suffering. When it's all said and done my parents will die roughly $100,000 dollars in debt. These companies are killing us all one way or another. And yet, we take it. And will continue to be at their mercy. It's times like these I realize just how oppressed the majority of American society really is. It's times like these I want to do something very Tyler Durden like.